The distinguished appearance of Kenneth Clarke lent a fitting presence to the
City Ground at the weekend.

As a keen supporter of Forest, who are based in his Rushcliffe constituency, and a former Chancellor of the Exchequer, the veteran Tory MP understands the need for fiscal frugality and, though Nottingham Forest departed the bottom three, the issue of money remains paramount for their hopes of avoiding relegation.

Only Portsmouth’s financial ineptitude and 10-point penalty allowed Forest their reprieve, as well as an abysmal Coventry City who, on this form, may well play until the end of next season and fail to secure a win away from home.

Yet the untimely death of owner Nigel Doughty has brought unwelcome attention on Forest’s own finances. The club has announced that Doughty’s estate and will are still being discussed but insiders have revealed that these are anxious times on the south bank of the Trent.

“They have a big squad with plenty of dough,” said Coventry manager Andy Thorn, whose team are stranded in the relegation places. “I’ve just heard how much they are on.”

Even during their spell in the third tier, Doughty’s generous cash injections inflated players’ wages beyond their station.

“Some of the players at this club are in a difficult situation,” revealed Forest centre-back Joel Lynch. “Because if we did get relegated it would raise serious questions about their futures. The club might not be able to afford to keep on half the players, particularly those who are out of contract.”

Garath McCleary’s fine solo effort and substitute Robbie Findley’s late finish secured a first home win in 10 games for Forest. Clear of danger but far from out of the woods.